Diana Pundole
Touring racing // Pune, India
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Diana Pundole, Indian racing driver from Pune, is the first Indian woman to win a National championship in the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024.
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Once you’re in the car, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female but it’s about how good you are behind the wheel.
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FULL BIO: Diana Pundole
Diana Pundole is a groundbreaking Indian motorsport racer who made history as the first Indian woman to win a national racing championship title in the MRF Saloons category at the 2024 Indian National Car Racing Championship.
EARLY YEARS
Growing up in a Parsi family in Pune, Diana’s passion for motorsports was nurtured from a young age. Her father, an avid Formula 1 fan, introduced her to racing, while her mother taught her to drive a manual car. At seven, her grandfather initiated her into go-karting, planting the seeds for her future career. After completing her MA in English literature in 2015, Diana briefly considered teaching before entering motorsport through JK Tyres’ Nationwide Talent Hunt for Women, where she secured a spot among the top six participants.
EARLY SUCCESS
Diana’s entry into competitive racing began when she was selected as one of 200 women for rigorous trials in Coimbatore. This opportunity catapulted her into prestigious racing categories, including the Indian Touring Cars mixed category. Her early breakthrough came when she became the first female driver to score a double in a single round at the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023. Her dedication to studying data and refining driving techniques set her apart, enabling her to compete at renowned international circuits including the Dubai Autodrome, Hockenheimring, and the F1 Circuit de Spa in Belgium.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2023: First female driver to score a double in a single round at the MMSC National Four-wheeler Racing Championship in the MRF Saloon Car category[4].
- 2024: First Indian woman to win a national racing championship title in the MRF Saloons Category at the Indian National Car Racing Championships at the Madras International Circuit[1][2][4].
REPUTATION
Diana has cemented her status as a trailblazing figure in Indian motorsports, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. As a mother of two balancing family life with a competitive racing career, her historic achievement in August 2024 set a new precedent for women in racing. Her meticulous approach to data analysis and driving techniques has earned her respect in the racing community. Beyond her personal accomplishments, Diana serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to enter motorsports, demonstrating that gender is not a barrier to success in competitive racing.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking ahead, Diana aims to further improve her racing skills while expanding her participation in saloon racing events. She plans to explore international racing opportunities, particularly at circuits like the Dubai Autodrome. Beyond her personal racing ambitions, Diana is committed to inspiring other women to pursue careers in motorsport, advocating for increased female participation in racing. She actively encourages aspiring women racers to begin with regular practice at go-karting tracks and to seek specialized training programs.
References:
Evo India – Diana Pundole Interview
Indian Express – Woman Motorsport Car Racing
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